X-Y Stereo Technique
Definition
A coincident stereo microphone technique in which two cardioid microphones are placed at the same point in space, angled between 90° and 135° apart. Produces a stereo image with excellent mono compatibility due to the coincident capsule placement.
In Simple Terms
Placing two mics at the same spot but pointing in different directions to capture a natural stereo image. It's one of the simplest and most reliable ways to record something in stereo — acoustic guitar, drums overhead, live performances.
In Practice
An X-Y stereo pair records an acoustic guitar, capturing a natural stereo image that remains solid when collapsed to mono for broadcast or streaming on mono devices.